Since the Paralympic Games held in 1980, a functional classification system for disabled shooting has
been developed. This system was applied for the first time in the 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games,
reducing 5 classes to 3 integrated classes, and its validity was proven with its application to the 1996
Atlanta Paralympic Games.
Definition and Rules
The shooting sport aims to make a series of shots at the center ring of the aiming board. The
target consists of concentric score rings with a score rating from 1 to 10 (center ring 10 points). In the
final, the rings are divided again for the highest possible score. Shooting competitions are grouped
under two main headings; Pistol and air rifle competitions consisting of 3 distances. The rules depend
on the distance (10 m, 25 m, 50 m), weapon, target, number of shots, shooting position and time
limit. Athletes earn points based on their shooting values.
The teams aim to shoot into the opposing team's basket. All competitions consist of a
qualifying and final section. Team scores in the final competitions are added to the score obtained in
the ranking section and the contestant with the highest score wins the competition. Of the 12
Paralympic shooting branches, 6 are for both men and women, 3 are for women only and 3 are for
men only.
Classification
Shooting uses a functional classification system to enable athletes with the same abilities and
different disability groups to compete together individually or as a team. Athletes are divided into
two classes, depending on the disability of the individuals (trunk 28 degrees of functionality, balance
while sitting, muscle endurance, upper and lower arm mobility) and the required abilities in shooting;
SH1, SH2. (Paralympic competitions include only SH1 and SH2 classes.)
The main difference between SH1 and SH2 is that SH2 athletes can use braces for their arms,
complying with the IPC specification. Rifle and pistol competitors are divided into 2 main classes;
SH1: Includes athletes who do not need shooting support, SH2: Includes athletes who cannot support
the weight of the firearm with their arms.
